Kathy Putzier
Kathy Putzier was a dear friend of mine, and she died last week. I have tried many times to write a fitting tribute to express a history of our friendship and how much she meant to me. I cannot do it.
Kathy was one of those people who was present when the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) was in its infancy. In many emails, she often applauded and criticized the current state of the DOC. Sometimes correctly, and at other times I felt she was off base. But that is what friends do; they talk. They are open to criticism and praise. Kathy and I shared both with each other.
I have no words to describe how important she was for me as a friend, mentor, helper and sometimes critic. We did not always agree, but we always listened. We bonded over music, film and the state of the current DOC. We met on TUDiabete.org. Kathy shepherded my exit to the broader DOC, helping me make contacts and introducing me to those who might help me get my website off the ground.
In our last email, Kathy told me about her guitar lessons, the struggle at the music school, and how she might be looking for a new teacher. I answered about the start of RABlog week, my struggle with writing right now and an update on my family. We did not discuss her health, something she often included if she was worried about a test, or a doctor visit.
This week I have been playing Bob Dylan almost nonstop. Hoping I can find the words to express how deeply I feel about her passing. The best I can say is, thank you, Kathy, for being my dear, gentle friend. You gave me so much, and I fear I gave so little in return. But especially thank you for always reminding me to live as Bob Dylan described:
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
Bob Dylan
Forever Young – 1973
It is just that now I will have to do this without my dear friend, and that is difficult to do.
-30-
rick
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I am so very sorry for your loss Rick. may her memory always be a blessing.
Karen, you would have really enjoyed her friendship if you would have had the chance. I benefited many times over from her friendship. Her loss is a difficult for both Sheryl and I. Kathy’s sister called her quirky, she was all of that in the very best way.
Thanks for sharing such a nice tribute to Kathy, Rick. She was truly a gem and such a gift to the many people she touched. Thanks for being such a good friend to her – she thought the world of you and really treasured your friendship.
Thank you for the kind comment Scott. When I heard of Kathy’s death I immediately thought of her ‘lunch buddy’. I know how much she thought of those times.
I know Kathy thought the world of you as well. Almost every email she asked if I had spoken with you recently. Thank you, as well for being such a good friend to Kathy.
I don’t think I knew her, but your tribute was beautiful & its obvious she had a great impact on you & your involvement with the DOC.
Thank you Ashliegh. Kathy was described by her sister as quirky, and I suppose she was, I think it was that quirky nature that had such a terrific impact on me. Right now as I type this response a Bob Dylan song is playing on my radio and my immediate thought was, I wonder how Kathy is doing. That is the same thought I have had whenever I have heard a Dylan song for the last eight or so years. She was very special to me and it makes me realize how far away the O in DOC is sometimes.
What a thoughtful and kind tribute…
Kathy and I were co-workers for 15 years and weekly went to Subway together.
After I left the firm and she was no longer working, we continued meeting at Subway from time to time keeping that tradition.
She is someone I will never forget and it was so touching to read what you wrote. Thank you.
Thank you for the very kind words. Though I never met Kathy in person she was like a sister to me and a dear friend. In my experience, she was as loyal a friend as I have ever had and I am sure you felt the same. Kathy’s sister said she was quirky; well she was, in all the very best ways. I miss her terribly. Knowing you liked my note makes her loss more bearable
I had known Kathy as a friend and neighbor for over 30 years. Sadly, I moved out of town this past summer and only found out about her passing when a note I sent her was returned to me. I am so sorry I missed the memorial. Thank you for the tribute and the wonderful picture. She had a great many friends and that speaks to her caring, kind nature.
I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. I told some mutual friends a few days ago that when Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature my first thought was of my dear friend Kathy. We would have emailed each other many times the day that was announced. I am so sorry she did not receive the many emails I sent in my mind. I miss her a great deal.